The Italian food festival from a dummy’s point of view – the consulate chapter

So, it was Italian week of Italian cuisine is on in Kolkata now. But let us first find out why this festival is different from any other food festivals and if at all it is different. In the month of August, a city called Amatrice (probably where Pasta All’Amatriciana was born and gained its fame) was destroyed (well almost) after an earthquake. Now,  For each dish of Amatricianna sold in restaurants throughout the Italian week, 2 euros will be contributed towards the cause of rebuilding the town. Hence this Italian Food Week is being celebrated across 130 countries and numerous cities globally and our love, Kolkata is not left behind. During the event, in Kolkata, we will be having five Italian chefs: Mauro Ferrari (Hyatt Regency), Francesco Francavilla (Oberoi Grand), Vittorio Greco (ITC Sonar), Alessio Lorenzo (Taj Bengal), Michelangelo Sparapano (The Park). They will present, during the entire week their menus in the supporting hotels, offering to Kolkattans the original flavors and tastes of the Italian gastronomic tradition.

Ok, enough gyan, now let’s come down straight to the point. One fine morning last week, I was frankly quite surprised when I found a mail from the Italian Consulate, Kolkata in my mailbox. Now, my food journey mostly surrounds the street / low-cost food joints and to certain extent, I am not much into fine dining. But an invitation is an invitation and can’t be turned down. It was for 2 days. The first day was an interactive session and cookery demo by the renowned food columnist Ms Robarta Schira on “the Italian cuisine in 7 points”, from her book “Did you eat well? The seven rules to recognize good food” and the second day was a gala dinner hosted by the Italian Consulate in Alipore, Kolkata where all the participating hotels had put up their stalls.

Frankly, let me be clear. An evening graced by the whos who in Kolkata and also my fellow bloggers and foodies can’t go wrong and I was right. Both the evenings were spent really well…

The second evening was fabulous. The spread was lavish, wine was aplenty and …… well, let’s just say, it was a perfect adda. Camera was not allowed inside the premises, hence, apologies for the bad picture quality.

all of us… with you know who

The grilled chicken breast and stuffed crepes from Hyatt Regency Kolkata

Seafood pasta from The Taj Bengal

Poached fish by ITC Sonar

Comments and critics welcome.

I can be reached at 9903528225 / indrajit.lahiri@ymail.com